AthlonSports.com - Sidney Ricehttp://athlonsports.com/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice
enFantasy Football 2013: Percy Harvin’s Injury Impact on Seattle Seahawks’ Offensehttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/fantasy-football-2013-percy-harvins-injury-impact-seattle-seahawks-offense
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Fantasy Football 2013: Percy Harvin’s Injury Impact on Seattle Seahawks’ Offense</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33814-1/PercyHarvin_2011_300.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 345px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When you lose a player like <strong>Percy Harvin</strong> for basically the whole season, it hurts. It doesn&#39;t hurt Seattle nearly as much as it did Minnesota last year &mdash; the Seahawks, after all, nearly made the NFC title game without him &mdash; but that&#39;s a big talent sidelined.</p><p>Of course, we don&#39;t care about that here.&nbsp; We&#39;re only worried about our fantasy teams, and Harvin is a huge loss on that front. Like with the Seahawks, however, the impact might not be as big as you think.</p><p>Fantasy football players were drastically over-drafting Harvin early this summer, taking him mid-to-late Round 3 among the top 10 fantasy wide receivers. He&#39;s certainly good enough to finish in that range, but Seattle boasted the league&#39;s run-heaviest offense in 2012. No team attempted fewer than the Seahawks&#39; 405 passes. No team ran it more than their 536 carries.</p><p>Conventional wisdom would say that Seattle expected to throw it more after trading for the league&#39;s best slot receiver. Head coach Pete Carroll said otherwise.</p><p>&quot;We really expect to have a very balanced attack again,&quot; he told the <em>Everett Herald</em> in April. &quot;The numbers will come out pretty equal with run and pass. We don&#39;t expect to change that ratio much.&quot;</p><p>Maybe they&#39;d get closer to 50-50, but Seattle never planned to go pass-heavy. That obviously would have lowered the ceiling on Harvin, who inflated his numbers the past 2 years by being the only dependable receiving option in Minnesota. Our projections over at DraftSharks.com had him falling short of 80 catches before the injury.</p><p>Only two of the top 15 fantasy receivers in non-PPR scoring last year caught fewer than 83 balls. Vincent Jackson landed inside the top 10 with 72 receptions by adding 1,384 yards and 8 touchdowns. Julio Jones joined him by racking up 1,198 yards and 10 TDs to go with 79 catches. Harvin would have had a lot of trouble generating such big yardage or approaching 10 TDs. Thus, cracking the top 15 would have been tough. It would have been even tougher in PPR.</p><p>Beyond the run-heavy scheme, Seattle already had Golden Tate and Sidney Rice catching passes.&nbsp; Rice led the team with 50 catches last season, and Tate followed with 45. No other Seahawk caught more than 38 balls.</p><p>Those small numbers might suggest Harvin could come in and dominate the receiving categories, but the team still planned to spread it around.</p><p>&quot;We&#39;re not counting on tilting the field toward one guy or the other,&quot; Carroll told the Seattle Times early in the offseason.&nbsp; &quot;I&#39;m not thinking that way. We&#39;re just going to go play football.&quot;</p><p>OK, so we&#39;ve established that Harvin began the fantasy season overrated. But his absence still significantly impacts the rest of the offense. How much? Let&#39;s break down the noteworthy players.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>WR Golden Tate</strong></span></p><p>Back in the spring, Tate looked like a talented wideout bound to have trouble finding consistent targets as Seattle&#39;s likely No. 3 option. Suddenly, however, he looks like a potential fantasy football breakout player.</p><p>In addition to Harvin&#39;s surgery, Rice traveled to Switzerland late in July to get a special knee treatment. He has since returned to practice, but that kind of pursuit suggests at least nagging pain that could develop into something more at any time. Rice has missed three games or more in four of his six seasons, so it&#39;s easy to anticipate missed time.</p><p>Tate saw just 67 targets to Rice&#39;s team-leading 82 last year. (Tate missed one game.) But his terrific 67.2 percent catch rate easily topped Rice&#39;s 61.0 percent, and Tate also beat his teammate by 0.3 yards per catch.&nbsp; That helped him tie Rice for the team lead with seven TD receptions.</p><p>Russell Wilson will have trouble repeating his 26 touchdowns amid just 393 pass attempts. That 6.6 percent TD rate ranked second only to Aaron Rodgers in 2012. But Wilson proved adept as a deep-ball passer, and Tate led the team with 22 deep targets (20 yards or more downfield), according to Pro Football Focus. Nine of those balls proved catchable, and Tate snagged all nine for 343 yards and three touchdowns.</p><p>Now he&#39;s heading into a contract year, and Carroll has had nothing but praise for the fourth-year wideout. Tate has climbed way up fantasy football draft boards since Harvin&#39;s surgery, but he remains an intriguing value with a 10.03 average draft position at Fantasy Football Calculator. That makes him the 42nd wideout off the board, on average, which is still reserve territory. Tate&#39;s quite capable of delivering starter numbers.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>WR Sidney Rice</strong></span></p><p>If he&#39;s healthy, Rice should certainly battle Tate for the team target lead once again. The whole &quot;if healthy&quot; thing pushes him behind his teammate, though.</p><p>Last season marked just the second time in his six-year career that Rice made it through a full 16 games. His 15.0 yards per catch sat lower than his rates from any of the three previous seasons.</p><p>But that&#39;s not enough reason to dislike Rice. He&#39;s sure to continue benefitting from Wilson&#39;s stellar &mdash; and still developing &mdash; play at quarterback. Rice will simply be held back by the target ceiling in Seattle. Harvin&#39;s absence undoubtedly leaves more passes on the field, but can Rice get to 100 looks even in a fully healthy season in 2013? I doubt it. And that&#39;s why he sits near the bottom of WR4 territory in fantasy drafts, now about half a round behind Tate in ADP.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/34528-1/RussellWilson_2012_300.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 366px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />QB Russell Wilson</strong></span></p><p>Harvin&#39;s absence probably hurts Wilson more than anyone else, but he&#39;ll be OK.</p><p>From Week 8 on last year, Wilson ranked third among fantasy quarterbacks. But he did so thanks to an 8.3 percent touchdown rate over that span. That&#39;s not nearly sustainable. Since 2000, only four quarterbacks have produced a rate of 7.5 percent or better over a full season: Peyton Manning in 2004, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger in 2007, and Aaron Rodgers in 2011. Even Wilson&#39;s 6.6 percent rate for the whole season will be tough to duplicate.</p><p>He&#39;d have had an easier time generating top-level efficiency with Harvin inside to counterbalance the deep threats of Tate and Rice on the edges. That setup made top 5 upside seem possible &mdash; though not probable &mdash; for Wilson. Instead he sits near the bottom of QB1 territory with a lower ceiling.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Anyone else?</strong></span></p><p>Tight end Zach Miller could be in line for more work ... if he could get healthy. Miller sits on the physically unable to perform list and has already dealt with knee trouble and plantar fasciitis (foot) this year. It&#39;s tough to expect a big jump from him after two disappointing seasons in Seattle.</p><p>The team changed its mind on Early Doucet after just one practice. Rookie Chris Harper carries long-term upside but likely won&#39;t prove much of a factor in 2013. Doug Baldwin remains on hand but probably won&#39;t come close to his rookie-year production again because the team has better options now.</p><p>The running backs could find a few more targets, but Marshawn Lynch hasn&#39;t caught more than 28 passes in a season since 2008, his second year in Buffalo. He has only reached 200 receiving yards twice in six seasons. I&#39;m not ready to boost my passing-game expectations for him &mdash; or call Christine Michael or Robert Turbin a sleeper for your flex position.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p><p>Harvin&#39;s surgery only makes it easier to expect Seattle to continue its run-heavy ways. An emerging Tate figures to find a few more targets lying around, thanks to the absence of his team&#39;s new top receiving talent. Rice should as well but still doesn&#39;t look like a safe bet to start for your fantasy squad. Wilson continues to look good, just not as good as he did before.</p><p>Most unfortunate, though, you can no longer count on some misguided league mate to over-draft the former Vikings star.</p><p><em><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/40787-1/DraftSharks_logo.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 120px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />This article was written by Matt Schauf and provided to Athlon Sports courtesy of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://draftsharks.com" target="_blank">DraftSharks.com</a>. Online since 1999, Draft Sharks won the 2010 and 2012 FSTA awards for the most accurate fantasy football projections in the industry. </em></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Related:</strong></span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://athlonsports.com/fantasy/fantasy-football-2013-where-should-you-draft-montee-ball" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> Fantasy Football 2013: Where Should You Draft Montee Ball?</strong></span></a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/fantasy-football">Fantasy Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-51 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-conferences/nfc">NFC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-52 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-divisions/nfc-west">NFC West</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/percy-harvin">Percy Harvin</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/golden-tate">Golden Tate</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div></div></div>Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +0000Athlon Sports25594 at http://athlonsports.comNFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falconshttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfc-divisional-playoff-preview-and-prediction-seattle-seahawks-vs-atlanta-falcons
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
NFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons&lt;/p&gt;
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The <strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong> bring their road show to the Georgia Dome to take on the <strong>Atlanta Falcons</strong> in an NFC Divisional Playoff showdown that kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. In beating Washington 24-14 in last Sunday’s Wild Card matchup, the Seahawks have already accomplished something the Falcons haven’t since 2004 – win a postseason game. The Falcons, champions of the NFC South and who tied the Broncos with 13 wins in the regular season are no stranger to having success in the months of September through December. In five seasons under head coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are 56-24 overall. The problem has been when the calendar turns to January, as they are 0-3 in the playoffs. In its last two playoff losses alone, Atlanta has been out-scored 72-23, including a 48-21 home loss to Green Bay in the Divisional round two seasons ago.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/27435-1/LynchMarshawn.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Seattle Seahawks have the ball:</span></strong><br />
After struggling out of the game somewhat last week against Washington, Seattle’s offense stuck to the script it has followed all season long in its Wild Card win over the Redskins – run the ball early and often and take shots down the field when they become available. The Seahawks finished with the NFL’s third-ranked rushing offense in the regular season, a ground game that averaged more than 161 yards per game. The offense took it to another level last Sunday, gashing the Redskins for 224 yards on the ground, led by running back <strong>Marshawn Lynch</strong>’s 132. Lynch was third in the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season with 1,590, and for his career is averaging more than six yards per carry in postseason play. Lynch hasn’t done it alone, however, as rookie starting quarterback Russell Wilson’s steady, productive play has thrust him to the forefront of the Offensive Rookie of the Year discussion. Even though Wilson averaged fewer than 200 yards passing per game in the regular season, he tied Peyton Manning’s rookie record of 26 touchdown passes and threw just three interceptions over the final nine games. His stretch of solid play continued last week, as he completed 15-of-26 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for another 67 in winning his first career playoff game and doing so on the road. The Seahawks’ pass-catchers don’t match up to the talent and production of the Falcons’, but they get the job done, as wide receivers Sidney Rice and Golden Tate each recorded seven touchdown catches during the regular season. Wilson’s mobility in the pocket takes some of the pressure off of the offensive line in pass protection, and as a team the Seahawks have committed only 19 turnovers in 17 games. One possible area of concern for the Seahawks’ offense is at kicker. Steven Hauschka, who made all 23 of his field goal attempts from inside 50 yards this season, suffered a calf injury in last week’s game and was placed on injured reserve. The team signed Ryan Longwell to take Hauschka’s place. Longwell is a 15-year veteran who has plenty of postseason experience (17 of 23 on FGs in the playoffs), but his last kick in an NFL game came in 2011.</p>
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Atlanta’s defense struggled at times stopping opponents from gaining yards, but managed more often than not to keep them from scoring too many points. The Falcons were 24th in total defense in the regular season, allowing 365.6 yards per game, but were fifth in scoring defense at 18.7 points per game. They were 21st against the run (123.2 ypg), and will need to be at their run-stuffing best if they want to try and slow down Lynch and the rest of the Seahawks. The Falcons fared worse against the pass (242.4 ypg, 23rd), but Seattle isn’t a team that tries to beat you through the air that much and the first-round bye provided several members of the Falcons’ banged up secondary the time needed to rest and recuperate. The Falcons have relied much more on turnovers this season rather than sacks, as the defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure. The unit has produced just 29 sacks so far, the second-fewest among NFC teams, compared to 31 turnovers. Twenty of their takeaways have been interceptions, as Thomas DeCoud, Asante Samuel and William Moore have combined for 15 picks. Atlanta’s pass rush could be even less fearsome against Seattle if veteran John Abraham is sidelined by an ankle injury. Abraham leads the team with 10 sacks, but is listed as questionable for Sunday, although he did practice on a limited basis.</p>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/21181-1/RyanM.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Atlanta Falcons have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Atlanta’s offense finished eighth in the NFL in total offense with 369.1 yards per game and seventh in scoring at 26.2 points per contest. Quarterback <strong>Matt Ryan</strong> posted career highs across the board, tying Peyton Manning for the league lead in completion rate (68.6), while finishing fifth in both yards passing (4,719) and touchdowns (32). The next step Ryan needs to take in his development is show that he can get the job done in the postseason. In three career playoff games, Ryan has averaged less than 195 yards passing per game and has thrown more interceptions (4) than touchdowns (3), which are all reasons why he’s still looking for his first postseason victory. A fair amount of credit for Ryan’s success this season needs to be given to the weapons he has to work with. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Julio Jones both earned Pro Bowl invites along with Ryan, while wideout Roddy White posted his sixth straight 1,100-yard campaign. Together the trio combined for 264 receptions, 3,479 yards and 25 touchdowns during the regular season. Watching them work against Seattle’s secondary and linebackers will not only be entertaining, but also one of the keys to this game. Atlanta has become more of a pass-oriented offense, as the Falcons finished 29th in rushing offense with less than 88 yards rushing per game. The Falcons will need to run the ball some to keep the Seahawks honest, and this task will fall to running backs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. The duo has combined to average less than four yards per carry, although Turner does have 10 rushing touchdowns. Rodgers also can be dangerous out of the backfield as a receiver, as he’s tied for fourth on the team with 59 catches. Considering Ryan attempted the sixth-most passes of any quarterback, the Falcons’ offensive line did a nice job protecting him, giving up just 28 sacks. And while Ryan did throw 14 interceptions, the Falcons only lost four fumbles for a total of 18 turnovers in their first 16 games.</p>
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After staking Washington to an early 14-0 first quarter lead in last Sunday’s Wild Card game, the Seattle defense rose to the occasion, shutting the Redskins’ offense completely down the rest of the way. Washington finished with only 203 yards, which was more than 100 yards below the Seahawks’ regular-season average (306.2 ypg). During the regular season, the Seahawks were the stingiest defense in the NFL, giving up 15.3 points per game and ended up in the top 10 in total defense (fourth), passing defense (sixth) and rushing defense (10th). This unit has allowed a total of 25 offensive touchdowns in 17 games and is capable of getting pressure on the quarterback as well as creating turnovers. The Seahawks sacked Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III twice and picked him off once in last week’s win, but the victory didn’t come without a cost. Defensive end Chris Clemons, who leads the team with 11.5 sacks, tore his ACL and is done for the season. The Seahawks’ depth along the defensive line will be tested with more inexperienced players, such as rookie Bruce Irvin, being called upon to fill bigger roles than they were asked to during the regular season. The Seahawks do have one of the NFL’s biggest, most physical secondaries, one that will face its own tall order in trying to slow down the Falcons’ talented pass-catchers. The Seahawks have given up a total of 16 touchdown passes this season, including their Wild Card win, so this should be a fun matchup to watch.</p>
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<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Key Factor:</strong></span><br />
Seattle has won six games in a row and eight out of its last nine and the Seahawks have already shown they can win on the road in the playoffs. In fact, all of the pressure for this game is squarely on Atlanta, who is trying to get its own playoff monkey off its back and silence critics in the process by winning its first playoff game since 2004. Michael Vick was the quarterback then, and his successor, Matt Ryan, is 0-3 in the postseason and has yet to put together a decent playoff performance. Questions and doubts aside, Ryan is clearly a different quarterback when he’s in the Georgia Dome. He is 33-6 in his career at home, including a disappointing playoff loss to Green Bay two seasons ago. The Falcons have been preparing for this game ever since Week 1 and I expect this veteran team to not let this opportunity pass them by. All that stands between them and a trip to the Super Bowl is two more home victories, and that road starts by taking care of business and some history against the Seahawks. As much attention as Ryan’s lack of success in the playoffs has garnered, his teammate Tony Gonzalez has been waiting for a postseason victory considerably longer. In his 16-year career, the future Hall of Fame tight end has played in 254 games and has gone 0-5 in the playoffs. Gonzalez' personal postseason drought, if you will, is the longest of any active player. That changes on Sunday, as the Falcons produce enough offense and get a helping hand from the defense in the fourth quarter to put an end to both Gonzalez’ and Ryan’s playoff losing streaks.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong> <span style="font-size:18px;">Falcons 24, Seahawks 20</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Related:</strong></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/nfc-divisional-playoff-preview-and-prediction-green-bay-packers-vs-san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank">NFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers</a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/afc-divisional-playoff-preview-and-prediction-baltimore-ravens-vs-denver-broncos" target="_blank">AFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Prediction: Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos</a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/afc-divisional-playoff-preview-and-prediction-houston-texans-vs-new-england-patriots" target="_blank">AFC Divisional Playoff Preview and Prediction: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots</a></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/playoffs">playoffs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/divisional">Divisional</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-51 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-conferences/nfc">NFC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/golden-tate">Golden Tate</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tony-gonzalez">Tony Gonzalez</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jacquizz-rodgers">Jacquizz Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matt-ryan">Matt Ryan</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/roddy-white">Roddy White</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/marshawn-lynch">Marshawn Lynch</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a></div></div></div>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:00:00 +0000Mark Ross19450 at http://athlonsports.comNFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskinshttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfc-wild-card-preview-and-prediction-seattle-seahawks-vs-washington-redskins
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
NFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Record-setting rookie quarterbacks will be on full display when the <strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong> and <strong>Washington Redskins</strong> square off in Sunday’s NFC Wild Card matchup at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The Seahawks (11-5) enter this contest on a five-game winning streak, while the Redskins (10-6) won their final seven games to capture the NFC East division title and first postseason berth since 2007. This game also features just the second pairing of rookie starting quarterbacks in NFL postseason history with the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson and Redskins’ Robert Griffin III leading their respective offenses.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/34528-1/RussellWilson_2012_300.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 322px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Seattle Seahawks have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Seattle’s offense finished the regular season ranked 17th in the NFL in total offense with 350.6 yards per game and ninth in scoring at 25.8 points per game. The Seahawks ended the season strong, averaging 38.6 points per game during their season-ending, five-game winning streak, including two straight games with at least 50 points. The Seahawks had the No. 3-ranked rushing offense (161.2 ypg), led by running back Marshawn Lynch’s 1,590 yards (third in the NFL). Even though Seattle was just 27th in passing offense with 189.4 yards per game, rookie starting quarterback <strong>Russell Wilson</strong> was more than efficient and effective in leading the Seahawks’ aerial attack. Wilson, who became the Seahawks’ starter largely due to a preseason elbow injury suffered by Matt Flynn, finished his inaugural NFL season by throwing 18 touchdown passes and just three interceptions in his last nine games. Overall, Wilson completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a franchise-record 100.0 passer rating. Wilson tied Peyton Manning’s 1998 mark for the most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback and would have set the rookie record for passer rating if not for Robert Griffin III, his counterpart in this game. No Seahawk had more than 50 receptions during the regular season, but wide receivers Sidney Rice and Golden Tate did record seven touchdown catches apiece. Besides the 10 picks thrown by Wilson, the Seahawks fumbled the ball away eight times for a total of 18 turnovers committed.</p>
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Washington’s defense has made the most of its ability to create turnovers, which has been key considering the unit’s overall statistics. The Redskins finished the season ranked 28th in total defense (377.7 ypg), with the majority of the damage due to poor pass defense. The ‘Skins were fifth against the run (95.8 ypg), but 30th versus the pass (281.9 ypg) and yielded 31 touchdown passes, which tied them for the second-most in the NFL. However, due to the 31 turnovers created, including 21 interceptions, the defense was able to limit opponents to 24.3 points per game (22nd), which is respectable considering all the yards the unit surrendered.</p>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/35808-1/RobertGriffinIII_2012_300.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 304px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Washington Redskins have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Even with a rookie at quarterback and running back, Washington’s offense finished the regular season in the top five of the NFL in total, rushing and scoring offense. The Redskins led the league in rushing offense (169.3 ypg), as running back Alfred Morris broke Clinton Portis’ franchise single-season rushing record and finished second only to Adrian Peterson with 1,613 yards rushing. Morris got stronger as the season wore on, averaging 126.8 yards rushing per game over the last four contests, including his 200-yard, three-touchdown effort at home in last Sunday’s division-clinching win over Dallas. Overall, the ‘Skins ranked fifth in the league in total offense with 383.2 yards per game and fourth in scoring at 27.3 points per game. Besides Morris, quarterback <strong>Robert Griffin III</strong> made some history of his own in his first pro season. Griffin completed nearly 66 percent of his passes for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions, setting the NFL record for passer rating by a rookie (102.4) in the process. The Heisman Trophy winner also was second to Morris in rushing with 815 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns (Morris had 13). Even though he missed six games with a foot injury, wide receiver Pierre Garcon still led the team in receptions (44) and yards (633), while veteran wideout Santana Moss was tops with eight touchdown catches. Another reason why the Redskins’ offense was so productive was that the team committed a total of just 14 turnovers, the fewest of any NFC team.</p>
<p>
Seattle’s defense finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in points allowed (15.3) and among the top 10 in the three other major categories. The Seahawks ended up fourth in total defense (306.2 ypg), sixth against the pass (203.1 ypg) and 10th versus the run (103.1 ypg). This unit allowed a total of 23 offensive touchdowns during the regular season, including just 15 touchdown passes (tied for the second-fewest in the NFL). The Seahawks picked up 36 sacks, led by defensive end Chris Clemons’ 11.5, and were very productive in the turnover department. The defense forced 31 turnovers, including 18 interceptions. Eight of these picks were courtesy of cornerback Richard Sherman, who also had a hand in two (INT return, blocked field goal) of the six defensive/special teams touchdowns the Seahawks scored. While it is easy to point out that the Seahawks play very well at home, going undefeated this season at CenturyLink Field, the defense more than did its part on the road. The Seahawks gave up an average of less than 19 points per game in its eight road contests.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Key Factor:</strong></span><br />
Redskins’ fans will no doubt be fired up for their first home playoff game since 1999, when the ‘Skins beat Detroit 27-13. In fact, this will be just the second playoff game ever at FedEx Field. The Redskins got to this point on the strength of the league’s best rushing attack, a dynamic rookie quarterback who showed poise beyond his years, and an opportunistic defense that seemed to get the key turnover when it needed it the most. The problem for the NFC East champions is that Seattle also has a productive running attack and its own record-setting rookie quarterback. The similarities end when it comes to the defenses, however, as the Seahawks have a considerable edge on that side of the ball. Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris will do all they can to give the home crowd something to cheer about, but in the end, the Seahawks’ defense will be the difference in this one.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong> <span style="font-size:18px;">Seahawks 27, Redskins 23</span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Related:</strong></span></p>
<p>
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/afc-wild-card-preview-and-prediction-cincinnati-bengals-vs-houston-texans" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14px;">AFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans</span></a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/nfc-wild-card-preview-and-prediction-minnesota-vikings-vs-green-bay-packers" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14px;">NFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers</span></a><br />
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/afc-wild-card-preview-and-prediction-indianapolis-colts-vs-baltimore-ravens" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14px;">AFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens</span></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/wild-card">Wild Card</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/playoffs">playoffs</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-51 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-conferences/nfc">NFC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/golden-tate">Golden Tate</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/santana-moss">Santana Moss</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/marshawn-lynch">Marshawn Lynch</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/pierre-garcon">Pierre Garcon</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/robert-griffin-iii">Robert Griffin III</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/alfred-morris">Alfred Morris</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/chris-clemons">Chris Clemons</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/richard-sherman">Richard Sherman</a></div></div></div>Sat, 05 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000Mark Ross19211 at http://athlonsports.comSan Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview and Predictionhttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers-vs-seattle-seahawks-preview-and-prediction
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview and Prediction&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
The NFC West could be decided when the <strong>San Francisco 49ers</strong> take on the <strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong> at 8:20 p.m ET tonight on NBC. A win would clinch a second straight division title for the 49ers (10-3-1), while handing the Seahawks (9-5) their first home loss of the season. The Seahawks are currently seeded fifth in the NFC playoff bracket, but four teams are right behind them at 8-6, so they still have work to do to secure their postseason berth. San Francisco beat Seattle 13-6 back in Week 7, but the 49ers have a different starting quarterback under center this time around.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/7193-1/FrankGore3.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the San Francisco 49ers have the ball:</span></strong><br />
More known for its defense, San Francisco’s offense has more than held its own this season, as they 49ers rank 11th in the NFL in total offense with 361.7 yards per game and eighth in scoring at 25.5 points per game. The 49ers have the league’s second-best rushing attack (162.9 ypg), led by running back <strong>Frank Gore</strong>. Gore is eighth in rushing yards with 1,118, his sixth 1,000-yard campaign in eight seasons with the team. The passing offense may rank 26th in yards with less than 200 per game, but it’s been more than effective. The 49ers have a total of 20 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions, tying them for the fewest picks in the NFC. Colin Kaepernick initially replaced opening-week starter Alex Smith at quarterback in Week 11 after Smith sustained a concussion the prior week. Kaepernick hit the ground running, leading the 49ers to an impressive win over Chicago on “Monday Night Football,” and hasn’t looked back. In five games as the starting quarterback, Kaepernick has completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,083 yards, seven touchdowns with just two interceptions, and has led his team to a 4-1 record. He’s also rushed for 202 yards with two scores during this span and is second on the team for the season with five rushing touchdowns. Michael Crabtree is the team’s leading receiver with 73 catches for 868 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end Vernon Davis is a dangerous weapon as well, but he and Kaepernick have had trouble developing chemistry to this point. Even with his mobility, Kaepernick has been sacked 13 times since becoming the starter, and overall the 49ers have given up 39 sacks. However, this is a team that doesn’t beat itself, as evidenced by its 14 total turnovers.</p>
<p>
Seattle’s defense is ranked among the top 10 in the NFL in each of the four major categories. The Seahawks are third overall in total defense (303.9 ypg) and passing defense (197.6 ypg), second in scoring (15.6 ppg), and tenth in rushing defense (106.3 ypg). The unit has allowed a total of 21 offensive touchdowns this season, including a league-low 13 touchdown passes. The Seahawks do a good job getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks (35 sacks), and excel at generating turnovers. The defense has forced 28 turnovers thus far, including 16 interceptions. It also has made the most of some of their opponents’ mistakes, as the defense has scored four touchdowns off of turnovers. As good as Seattle’s defense has been overall, it has been at its best at home. The Seahawks are surrendering fewer than 12 points per game and less than 280 yards of offense to the opposition in the six home games they have played. New England (475 yards) is the only team to gain more than 300 yards and score more than 20 points against Seattle at CenturyLink Field to this point.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/34528-1/RussellWilson_2012_300.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 322px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Seattle Seahawks have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Seattle’s offense is powered by one of the league’s top rushers and a rookie quarterback who has opened many eyes with his play. The Seahawks are 16th in the league in total offense with 350.1 yards per game and 11th in scoring at 25 points per contest. They have the No. 3 rushing offense, thanks to running back Marshawn Lynch, who trails only Adrian Peterson in rushing yards with 1,379. They rank just 27th in passing offense with less than 190 yards per game, but that only tells part of the story when it comes to rookie starting quarterback <strong>Russell Wilson</strong>. The Seahawks’ third-round pick in April’s draft, Wilson has completed nearly 63 percent of his passes for 2,697 yards, 21 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. He is the league’s eighth-rated passer (95.5), higher than Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Andrew Luck to name a few, and he is currently tied with Cam Newton for the second-most touchdown passes by a quarterback in his rookie season. Wilson also has produced with his legs, including the three rushing touchdowns he had in last week’s 50-17 rout of Buffalo in Toronto. Wilson has done a good job of staying alive in the pocket and either getting the most yards he can after taking off or throwing it away, as he has been sacked just 26 times. He also loves playing at home, where he has a 12:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and has yet to lose (6-0) in his brief career. Wide receivers Sidney Rice and Golden Tate are the top two leading pass-catchers and have each hauled in seven touchdown passes. The Seahawks as a team have turned the ball over only 17 times, including just eight fumbles.<br />
<br />
San Francisco’s defense is No. 1 in the league in scoring defense (15.6 ppg) and second in total defense at 293 yards per game. The 49ers are ranked third against the run (91.1. ypg) and fifth against the pass (201.9 ypg), which is saying something since they have faced Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady already this season. Along those lines, the defense has allowed only 14 touchdowns passes, which is tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL, and just six rushing touchdowns (third-fewest). The defense has 35 sacks, led by Defensive Player of the Year Aldon Smith’s 19.5. The linebacker is tied with Houston’s J.J. Watt for the league lead, and each is just three away from tying Michael Strahan’s single-season record of 22.5. Besides Smith, the 49ers have All-Pro linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman as the cornerstones of their defense. This defense may not force a lot of turnovers (22 total), but it more than makes up for it with its athleticism, physicality, tackling prowess and nasty disposition.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Key Factor:</strong></span><br />
San Francisco and Seattle are similar in many ways. Both teams’ game plans are built around running the ball and playing strong defense. Statistically they rank either right behind or very close to one another in several categories, both offensive and defensive. And they are both led by young, athletic quarterbacks capable of making plays with both their arm and their legs. It’s not surprising that the first game was a close-knit affair, which was won 13-6 by the 49ers in Week 7 in San Francisco. Now the scene shifts to Seattle, where the Seahawks are unbeaten in six games. They have their last three games overall and have put 50 or more points on the scoreboard the past two Sundays. The 49ers are riding some momentum of their own, however, after beating New England 41-34 last Sunday night to end the Patriots’ December home winning streak at 20 games. It also just so happens that the last team to beat the Seahawks at home was the 49ers, who won 19-17 in Seattle in Week 16 last season. A year later, the biggest change between these two teams is the quarterbacks. As well as Russell Wilson has played for Seattle, he struggled in his first game against his division rival, while Colin Kaepernick had just one carry against the Seahawks back in Week 7. Kaepernick is the starter now and he has been a difference-maker for the 49ers’ offense since taking over. Look no further than his four-touchdown performance on the road against the Patriots. While I don’t think he will repeat the four touchdowns tonight, I do expect Kaepernick to make enough plays and then let the defense do the rest as San Francisco turns out its second straight impressive road showing and wraps up back-to-back NFC West titles in the process.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:18px;">49ers 20, Seahawks 16</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-51 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-conferences/nfc-west">NFC West</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/golden-tate">Golden Tate</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/frank-gore">Frank Gore</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/vernon-davis">Vernon Davis</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/michael-crabtree">Michael Crabtree</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/alex-smith">Alex Smith</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/patrick-willis">Patrick Willis</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/marshawn-lynch">Marshawn Lynch</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/navorro-bowman">NaVorro Bowman</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/aldon-smith">Aldon Smith</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/colin-kaepernick">Colin Kaepernick</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/justin-smith">Justin Smith</a></div></div></div>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000Mark Ross18780 at http://athlonsports.comFantasy Football 2012: Breaking Down the Seattle Seahawkshttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/fantasy-football-2012-breaking-down-seattle-seahawks
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Fantasy Football 2012: Breaking Down the Seattle Seahawks&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
What can the <strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong> do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/27435-1/LynchMarshawn.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 392px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" />Inside the Locker Room</strong></span><br />
with Dan Raley, Freelance Writer</p>
<p>
<strong>Was Marshawn Lynch simply in beast mode for a new contract or can owners count on a repeat performance?</strong><br />
The big attraction to Lynch is he’s a self-starter. He plays with attitude. He was just as good in his previous season with the Seahawks without a contract incentive hanging over him. He stands to benefit from having a better quarterback (Flynn) and sturdier offensive line (if Russell Okung can stay healthy). If all goes well, Lynch’s fantasy numbers should be very, very good.</p>
<p>
<strong>What are reasonable fantasy expectations for Matt Flynn in his first year as the starter?</strong><br />
Flynn, in his limited appearances with Green Bay, showed himself to be a big-numbers guy, every fantasy player’s dream. Another six-touchdown passing game is a stretch, but count on him for maybe two or more per game, plus 200-plus yards per outing — or double what Tarvaris Jackson provided as last year’s Seattle starter.</p>
<p>
<strong>Is there a pass-catcher on this roster who will be an every week fantasy starter in 2012?</strong><br />
Probably not. The Seahawks insist that Sidney Rice, after having offseason surgery on both shoulders, will be healthy and Flynn’s No. 1 target. However, Rice’s five-season pro track record indicates he’s an extremely fragile player. Remember, undrafted rookie free agent Doug Baldwin was the top receiver in 2011 and Golden Tate remains on the roster as well. Seattle also signed free agents Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards prior to the start of training camp, but it's anyone guess if the two mercurial veterans will contirbute anything on the field, let alone make the team.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Athlon's Best Bets</strong></span></p>
<p>
<strong>Sleeper</strong>: Matt Flynn, QB<br />
<strong>Deep-Sleeper: </strong>Doug Badlwin, WR<br />
<strong>Overvalued: </strong>Sidney Rice, WR<br />
<strong>Top Rookie: </strong>Robert Turbin, RB<br />
<strong>Bounce-Back: </strong>Zach Miller, TE<br />
<strong>Top IDP: </strong>Chris Clemons, DL</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>2012 Draft Class</strong></span></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">1.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Bruce Irvin</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">DE</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-3</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">245</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">West Virginia</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">2.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Bobby Wagner</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">LB</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-0</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">241</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Utah State</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">3.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Russell Wilson</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">QB</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">5-11</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">206</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Wisconsin</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">4.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Robert Turbin</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">RB</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">5-10</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">220</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Utah State</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">4.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Jaye Howard</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">DT</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-3</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">301</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Florida</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">5.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Korey Toomer</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">LB</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6/2</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">234</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Idaho</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">6.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Jeremy Lane</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">CB</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-0</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">190</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Northwestern State</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">6.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Winston Guy</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">S</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-1</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">218</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Kentucky</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">7.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">J.R. Sweezy</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">DT</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-5</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">298</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">NC State</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">7.</span></td>
<td>
<span style="font-size:12px;">Greg Scruggs</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">DE</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">6-3</span></td>
<td class="rtecenter">
<span style="font-size:12px;">284</span></td>
<td class="rteright">
<span style="font-size:12px;">Louisville</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Fantasy Impact: </strong></span>The Seahawks added Matt Flynn to compete with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, but Russell Wilson will get a chance to win the job in preseason camp. Wilson lacks ideal size but can be a starter in the NFL. Robert Turbin is a physical back like Marshawn Lynch, so playing time could be sparse in 2012.</p>
<p class="rtecenter">
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/32708-1/2012_Fantasy_SEA_schedule.png" style="width: 475px; height: 450px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid;" /></p>
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 20px; ">Fantasy Playoff Run: Weeks 14-16 (ARI, vs. BUF, SF)</strong></p>
<p>
Marshawn Lynch was the only fantasy-relevant Seahawk last season, ranking fifth among RBs. He gets the 49ers and their top-ranked rush defense from a year ago in the fantasy title game. He was the only back to rush for 100 yards and score a TD against San Francisco last season. Matchups against Arizona and Buffalo, ranked in the bottom 12 against the run last year, should be a bit kinder.</p>
<p>
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<p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/fantasy-football">Fantasy Football</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/marshawn-lynch">Marshawn Lynch</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/doug-baldwin">Doug Baldwin</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matt-flynn">Matt Flynn</a></div></div></div>Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:00:00 +0000Athlon Sports12020 at http://athlonsports.comFantasy Football: Waiver Wire Week 4http://athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-week-4
<div class="field field-name-field-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Titans&#039; Washington will be priority one for this week&#039;s waivers</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-column field-type-node-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/columns/waiver-wire">Waiver Wire</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-landing-featured field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Some of the players listed in Athlon Sports' NFL Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4 may be one-week adds, some may be season-long adds and some are listed just for you to keep an eye on to stash on your roster if you have the space.</p>
<p>
Scoring is based on Athlon Sports default scoring which is 6 points for all TDs, .5 points per reception and 1 point <em>PER</em> 25 yards passing, 10 yards rushing/receiving and 40 return yards.</p>
<p>
Also, if you have any fantasy football questions for Week 4's Ask Athlon, send them my way <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/AthlonCorby" target="_blank">@AthlonCorby on Twitter</a> or via email to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:corby.yarbrough@athlonsports.com">corby.yarbrough@athlonsports.com</a></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></span><br />
<strong>Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee</strong><br />
Here's another QB that you don't want to waste your one waiver priority spot of the week on, but he has shown he can be an adequate fantasy QB; he is currently ranked 12th among fantasy QBs. Two caveats with Hasselbeck, however: He will be without stud WR Kenny Britt the remainder of the year, but his running game is also non-existent, meaning he will continue to air it out to whatever targets he can find.</p>
<p>
<strong>Vince Young, Philadelphia</strong><br />
Young has not found the field to replace Vick in the three previous games due to the hamstring injury Young suffered in the preseason. And it's uncertain whether it would be Young or Mike Kafka to replace Vick were he out. I would not waste your first waiver priority on this spot, but Young is athletic, has a good deep ball and has plenty of weapons around him (Jeremy Maclin perhaps not included this week against visiting San Francisco due to a hamstring inuury) to succeed in Andy Reid's pass-happy offense.</p>
<p>
<strong>Colt McCoy, Cleveland</strong><br />
He's probably not the greatest play this week with Tennessee coming to town and then a bye coming. However, McCoy returns from the bye to get a very favorable passing schedule of Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, St. Louis, Jacksonville and Cincinnati to close out the fantasy regular season. Without the greatest of weapons in Cleveland, McCoy has scored 15 points or more each of the first three weeks. It's not great, but it's consistent.</p>
<p>
<strong>Curtis Painter, Indianapolis</strong><br />
Just kidding.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Running Backs</span><br />
Ryan Grant, Green Bay</strong><br />
He's probably not available in too many leagues, but I saw him dropped in a few leagues of mine and he is available in 32 percent of Yahoo leagues.&nbsp; He's not the greatest of plays because of James Starks, but the same can be said for Starks. Both of them need to be held on to because they are in a high-powered offense and each of them is injury prone. It stinks that they are just insurance policies for each other, but it's better than some of the other options out there. Just a heads up if you've seen him sent back into the FA pool in your leagues.</p>
<p>
<strong>Kendall Hunter, San Francisco</strong><br />
Ah, the dreaded (read: expected) Frank Gore injury occurred in Week 3. Gore. He injured his right ankle and is not sure of his availability in Week 4 against the Eagles. THIS is the reason you draft Hunter late. Yes, he had 26 yards on nine carries (2.9 YPC) which is terrible, but Gore's 17-for-42 (2.5 YPC) isn't getting it done, either. Hunter added two catches for 12 yards and is a dynamic presence for the 49ers, one that coach Jim Harbaugh needs to learn to use. Hunter also scored from seven yards out. Here's hoping Harbaugh will get Hunter away from the line of scrimmage and find ways to utilize his speed in open space —&nbsp;you know the modern NFL instead of the pounding it into the center of the line, closing your eyes and hoping your running back pops out the other side. That way's not getting it done with an offensive line that has a lot of money invested in it.</p>
<p>
<strong>Dexter McCluster, Kansas City</strong><br />
I've <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-week-3" target="_blank">told you to add him to your roster for the last three weeks now</a>. The diminutive Chief is going to see a good portion of the Kansas City offense now that Jamaal Charles is on IR. He is still available in 46 percent of Yahoo leagues, 60 percent of ESPN leagues and 77 percent of NFL.com leagues. Thomas Jones proved as useless as expected against the Chargers Sunday (14 carries 31 yards), while McCluster got 14 touches for 63 yards. And touches is how you have to evaluate McCluster. He had nine carries for 45 yards and five receptions for 17 yards. That's 11.3 fantasy points in a full PPR. Todd Haley looked to McCluster just four times—&nbsp;all passes — in the first half as Thomas Jones wasted time. Assuming Haley looks McCluster's way earlier —&nbsp;I know what they say about assuming and Haley — McCluster has a real shot at breaking out this year.</p>
<p>
<strong>Willis McGahee, Denver</strong><br />
It was a tough match up against the Titans as expected, but he still scored 12.9 fantasy points thanks to one of his three receptions. He also added 52 yards rushing on 22 carries. He is expected to get the bulk of the carries, as we suspected as the preseason wore down, even when a fully healthy Knowshon Moreno is active. Green Bay and San Diego are up next before the Broncos' bye, not necessarily the most appealing match ups, but his pass-catching ability still makes him a decent flex play in PPR leagues and he could roll into a decent RB2 play in the easier match ups.</p>
<p>
<strong>Daniel Thomas, Miami</strong><br />
This is probably the last week he will be on this list. He should've been drafted in most leagues but a terrible preseason squashed that for many. He then was inactive in Week 1. But the Reggie Bush as lead back experiment died a quick death, and the rookie from Kansas State has started to show his worth. After a 12.2-point debut against the Texans, Thomas came back with a 20.7-point effort against the Browns. He rushed 23 times for 95 yards and caught three passes for 27 yards, including a touchdown. Bush, meanwhile, had 11 carries and one catch. See where the trend is going here. The Dolphins aren't dynamic enough to use Bush properly and Bush isn't traditional enough to be used as a lead back.</p>
<p>
<strong>LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets</strong><br />
If the Jets' defense is going to continue to give up points, the Jets offense is going to have to continue to come back. And that is not done with Shonn Greene pounding the rock into the middle of the offensive line. It will be done with the pass-catching abilities of LT, who had five catches for 116 yards and 38 yards on six carries in the loss to Oakland. Pick him up and play him in games in which you think the Jets will trail — i.e. against Baltimore, New England, San Diego, Buffalo and New England four of the next six games.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Wide Receivers</span><br />
Jason Avant and/or Steve Smith, Philadelphia</strong><br />
I wouldn't add either with a waiver priority. As a matter of fact, I would wait on news of Jeremy Maclin's hamstring injury before moving at all on either of the two. This is just a heads up. If Maclin were to miss Week 4 against San Francisco, then the door opens for either Avant or Smith. Avant has been targeted 16 times this season, catching eight for 102 yards; Smith, who didn't play in the opener, has eight targets, four catches for 56 yards. It may be a committee approach to replace Maclin if he's out, but it's a position that's been targeted 25 times to the tune of 19 catches, 260 yards and two scores through three games.</p>
<p>
<strong>Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh</strong><br />
The split between Brown and Emmanuel Sanders was what we eyed early on as the annoyance from a pass-happy offense. Well, Brown has jumped Sanders and looks to have jumped veteran Hines Ward. Brown has 23 targets, 10 catches and 156 yards to Sanders' 11 targets, six catches, 85 yards and Week 1 score. Ward has 19 targets, 12 catches, and 117 yards. It could be something that drives you crazy all season long as these three battle it out in the fantasy world to play opposite Mike Wallace, but Brown has carried his solid preseason into the regular season and looks to be having more plays called his way as opposed to the freelancing of Sanders.</p>
<p>
<strong>Victor Cruz, New York Giants</strong><br />
First, Mario Manningham (concussion) has already been cleared to play in Week 4. That's fine. The Giants still need a third receiving option. Domenik Hixon is out with an ACL. There is no fantasy-worthy TE. No. 1 Hakeem Nicks has battled knee injuries and was shut down completely against the Eagles. Then there's Manningham, his concussion and his drops in the Rams game the last time we saw him. Cruz stepped in Sunday and caught three balls for 110 yards and two scores. The slot position was golden for Eli Manning when Steve Smith manned it; if Cruz slides in there or stays on the outside, he should have success for the Giants.</p>
<p>
<strong>Eric Decker, Denver</strong><br />
Decker was certainly a good add from the waiver wire last week after his 24.8-point performance. But he faced a tough match up against a Titans team that still has not allowed a 200-yard passer. Decker still managed a 10.3-point day in Athlon's .5 PPR scoring. He had seven catches off 12 targets and the Broncos are not going to shy away from the pass as Kyle Orton is 12th in the league with 110 attempts.</p>
<p>
<strong>Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis</strong><br />
If Curtis Painter is the starting QB all Colts are going to be downgraded even more than they already are. The one spot of hope may be Painter's relationship with Garcon, He caught three balls for 53 yards when Painter stepped in for Kerry Collins and finished with six for 82 in the loss to the Steelers. I'm sure many owners across fantasy have bailed on Garcon through two weeks, and they should. But it's worth keeping an eye on the relationship between Garcon and Painter.</p>
<p>
<strong>Brandon Gibson, St. Louis</strong><br />
He is available in 95 percent of Yahoo leagues but is Athlon's 39-best WR with 27.7 fantasy points scored. He has 20 targets, 12 catches, 157 yards and a score through three games. Mike Sims-Walker has one more target but has not done as much with the extra look —&nbsp;10 catches, 133 yards no TDs. Gibson will continue to get the looks until Danny Amendola comes back, and even then it might open things up a little more for Gibson. He has at least 50 yards receiving in each of the first three games, and with the defense getting torched, he will always have opportunities.</p>
<p>
<strong>Donald Jones, Buffalo</strong><br />
We <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/fantasy-football-waiver-wire" target="_blank">told you about him Week 1 along with David Nelson</a>. He hasn't been the most consistent of options, but you can't ignore targets. Jones got his biggest share on Sunday when Ryan Fitzpatrick looked his way 10 times and Nelson turned it into five catches for 101 yards. That comes after 11 targets, six catches and 27 yards and a score the first two weeks combined. Fitzpatrick has four passing options off the line of scrimmage — Nelson, Jones, Steve Johnson and TE Scott Chandler to go along with RBs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. Jones is worth adding in deep leagues or if you are really getting killed at your WR spot by the likes of Kenny Britt, Jacoby Ford, Mario Manningham, etc.</p>
<p>
<strong>Lance Moore, New Orleans</strong><br />
He shouldn't be on this list, but I saw he's available in 39 percent of Yahoo leagues. Perhaps he is already owned in all scoring systems where he's relevant — PPR leagues —&nbsp;but I'll give you some info about his season thus far anyway. After missing Week 1 with a groin and being eased in Week 2 (four targets, one catch, 6 yards), Moore blew up in Week 3 by catching all nine targets for 88 yards and a score. He will be inconsistent as a scorer each week, thanks Darren Sproles, but I think he will be the most consistent Saints WR option until Marques Colston gets back and screws it all up.</p>
<p>
<strong>David Nelson, Buffalo</strong><br />
He is a top-20 receiver in Athlon's .5 PPR scoring. He was targeted eight times, catching six for 84 yards in the comeback win against New England. He has been targeted no less than six times, caught no less than four balls and had no less than 66 yards receiving each of the first three weeks. Also, he is still available in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.</p>
<p>
<strong>Sidney Rice, Seattle</strong><br />
He made his Seahawk debut and didn't fare too bad against a putrid Arizona secondary. He was targeted 10 times, catching eight balls for 109 yards from his former teammate in Minnesota, Tarvaris Jackson, under their former offensive coordinator with the Vikings, Darrell Bevil. Not much, if any good, has come from the Seattle offense through two weeks, so it was nice to see some spark in Week 3. I still can't advocate anything out of Seattle right now —&nbsp;well, the 20th anniversary deluxe edition of Nirvana's Nevermind comes out today. I do advocate purchasing that —&nbsp;but Rice plays Atlanta, New York Giants, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dallas, Baltimore, St. Louis and Washington over the next eight games. Six of the eight are allowing over 20 fantasy points a game to WRs through three weeks.</p>
<p>
<strong>Torrey Smith, Baltimore</strong><br />
It doesn't get much better than your first three catches as a pro going for touchdowns, but that's what Smith did Sunday against the Rams. He stepped in for an injured Lee Evans, who still doesn't know when he will return from his ankle injury. The Ravens wanted to add vertical weapons for Joe Flacco so he could stop it with the check downs, and that was certainly on display Sunday. Smith was brought in specifically to be that vertical threat. One thing to keep in mind: Evans was also traded for a fourth-round pick to be that vertical threat. When he returns, the Ravens are not going to just let him ride the pine. So there might be a split of their workload, but Smith is worth the play now.</p>
<p>
<strong>Titus Young, Detroit</strong><br />
He continues to get targets and is a speedy playmaker for the Lions. He went from seven targets, five catches and 89 yards in Week 2 to eight targets, four catches and 51 yards in Week 3. This is probably more of a name to keep an eye on as I don't see him being rostered in too many leagues, but as Matthew Stafford looks to lean less on his tight ends and more to other receivers not named Calvin Johnson, Young and Nate Burleson could be in for big years. The problem is: They could alternate weeks doing it, thus making fantasy owners quite angry. Keep an eye on Young and Burleson.</p>
<p>
<strong>Nate Washington, Tennessee</strong><br />
He certainly paid off as the Sneaky Start of the Week for Week 3, grabbing eight balls for 92 yards and a score. He will have to do that and more from now on with Kenny Britt out for the season. I'm not sure if Washington can operate as the No. 1, but he is certainly worth the add to see if it works out. The Titans are struggling mightily in the run game and QB Matt Hasselbeck seems to have no problem going to the air. Washington has been targeted 27 times through three weeks this season, catching 21 for 258 yards and Sunday's score.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Tight Ends</span><br />
Scott Chandler, Buffalo</strong><br />
I still think there are safer plays at a position so deep, but the problem with them is inconsistency. I would rather look for a player that is targeted at least six times a game on average and see what he can give me. Then there's Chandler. He hasn't received over five targets a game, but all he does is score. He's no different than playing the vulture-TD grabbing RB that LenDale White or Willis McGahee has been in the past. The Bills are going to move the ball and teams keep leaving Chandler wide open in the end zone. If Ryan Fitzpatrick's going to go to him, why shouldn't you?</p>
<p>
<strong>Randy McMichael, San Diego</strong><br />
Simple: He's Antonio Gates replacement and Malcom Floyd is ineffective, groin injury or not. McMichael caught four of five targets for 51 yards in Gates' absence Sunday. If Gates, the game's top tight end, is going to be a game-time decision each week, then you need to either have insurance for him on your roster, or steal someone else's insurance. The position will be an effective one for fantasy owners, you just have to know who's playing it from week to week.</p>
<p>
<strong>Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville</strong><br />
He returned from a calf injury against the Panthers and was targeted just two times for 15 yards. I don't think he's an add just yet —&nbsp;hard to believe a guy with 10 TDs a year ago is still a "keep an eye on" player but he is available in 48 percent of Yahoo leagues. If healthy and motivated (here's hoping the big contract in the offseason didn't make him content), he can be a rookie QB's best friend for an offense that needs some help. MJD and Mike Thomas can't do it all, plus he plays in the AFC South and those teams aren't the greatest at defending the TE position —&nbsp;all were in the bottom half of the league against the position at at least seven fantasy points per game last season.</p>
<p class="rteright">
— Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/AthlonCorby" target="_blank">@AthlonCorby</a> on Twitter</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-games field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-weight field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">3</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Two Right Sidebar Images</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomyextra field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Taxonomy upgrade extras:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/fantasy-football">Fantasy Football</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/vince-young">Vince Young</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matt-hasselbeck">Matt Hasselbeck</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/daniel-thomas">Daniel Thomas</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/dexter-mccluster">Dexter McCluster</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/steve-smith">Steve Smith</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/titus-young">Titus Young</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jason-avant">Jason Avant</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/colt-mccoy">Colt McCoy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/lance-moore">Lance Moore</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/willis-mcgahee">Willis McGahee</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/waiver-wire">waiver wire</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/david-nelson">David Nelson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/fantasy-football-waiver-wire">Fantasy Football waiver wire</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/victor-cruz">Victor Cruz</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/torrey-smith">Torrey Smith</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/nate-washington">Nate Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/kendall-hunter">Kendall Hunter</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/section/nfl">NFL</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/fantasy">Fantasy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/section/other-sports">News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Some of the players listed in Athlon Sports&#039; NFL Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4 may be one-week adds, some may be season-long adds and some are listed just for you to keep an eye on to stash on your roster if you have the space.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-body2 field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author-byline field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-include-in-newsletter field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:26 +0000Corby Yarbrough6855 at http://athlonsports.comFive NFL Teams That Improved and Five That Got Worsehttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/five-nfl-teams-will-be-better-year-and-five-will-be-worse-0
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Here&#039;s five NFL teams that will take a step forward this year, and five that will take a step back.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
By RALPH VACCHIANO<br />
<br />
No one has ever won an NFL championship in the spring and summer, and no one has ever lost one either. That’s not for lack of trying, of course.<br />
<br />
Just ask the <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/are-eagles-best-team-nfl" target="_blank">“Dream Team” in Philadelphia</a></strong>, or any of the up-and-comers pumping up their chests and thinking about a Super Bowl run. There are probably 32 teams thinking that way at the moment, even though a few of them are clearly braced for a fall.<br />
<br />
Who are the likely risers and fallers once the NFL season begins? Here’s a look at five teams poised for a significant step forward, and five that should be bracing for at least a step or two back:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>TEAMS THAT WILL TAKE A STEP FORWARD</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=21&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/7383-2/TonyRomo.jpg" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 261px; " /></a></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; "><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=06&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Dallas Cowboys</a></span>&nbsp;(6-10)&nbsp;</strong>– There were a few free agent losses in Dallas (most notably RB Marion Barber) and no sign of a Jerry Jones spending spree. So why are they going to take a step forward? Because two years ago they were one of the best teams in the NFC. Then last year they lost their quarterback for much of the season. If Tony Romo is healthy, the Cowboys are contenders again, especially under new non-interim coach Jason Garrett, a rising star in the league.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=34&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Houston Texans </a></span>(6-10)</strong> – They have been underachieving for years, but this will finally be the year they make a breakthrough. Quarterback Matt Schaub has a huge array of weapons, including one of the best receivers (Andre Johnson) and running backs (Arian Foster) in the game. The defense needs help, but Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing is a good place to start, and signing Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning to play cornerback will help, too.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=13&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Oakland Raiders</a></span> (8-8)</strong> – QB Jason Campbell got a bad rap in Washington, playing for a lost team and in a clueless-looking offensive system most of the time. He’s got a big arm, though, and that should fit Oakland’s downfield passing game. Darren McFadden is poised for a breakthrough season and Darius Heyward-Bey still brings serious speed at receiver. New TE Kevin Boss will help stretch the field, too. The defense will miss Asomougha, but coach Hue Jackson has them on the right path.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=08&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Detroit Lions</a> </span>(6-10) </strong>– You may not have noticed, but the Lions won their last four games last season, including one incredible 7-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. Jim Schwartz has gotten that moribund franchise on track and thinking big. He’s also built a tough defense, especially up front. Their key to success is to get a healthy season out of QB Matthew Stafford. If they do, the playoffs could finally return to Detroit.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px; "><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=21&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Philadelphia Eagles</a></span>&nbsp;(10-6)</strong>&nbsp;– They won the NFC East last year, so how much further can they step? If you ask them, you may as well pencil them in for the Super Bowl after they brought in Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Steve Smith … and, well pretty much every available free agent, it seems. A lot can happen between now and the Super Bowl, but as long as Michael Vick stays healthy this team should be very, very, very good.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>TEAMS THAT WILL TAKE A STEP BACK</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=03&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/6290-1/BrianUrlacher8.jpg" style="border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 261px; " />Chicago Bears</a></span> (11-5)</strong> – That was one ugly loss in the NFC championship game last year, mostly because of the aftermath when the whole world seemed to question QB Jay Cutler’s toughness. That was unfair, considering the beating he took all season. Beyond that, though, the offense was far too erratic last year and now he’s got a new center in front of him and a new tight end to throw to. Plus, there’s no telling how Cutler will respond to what happened in his last game.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=27&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></span> (10-6)</strong> – What Raheem Morris did with the Bucs last year was a miracle, given that some thought they had the worst roster in football prior to the season. But they did nothing to add to their talent in the offseason. Josh Freeman is a rising quarterback and LeGarrette Blount might be a future star at running back. But asking them to repeat last year might be a little much.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=30&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></span> (8-8)</strong> – They struggled down the stretch without Maurice Jones-Drew, and the fact that he’s back and healthy will help. But it’s alarming that in a .500 season they gave up 66 more points than they scored last year. Behind a quarterback in David Garrard that hardly inspires confidence, that’s a dangerous number. They’ve been on a mediocre trajectory, but the division could be tough enough to finally send them down.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=26&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">Seattle Seahawks </a></span>(7-9)</strong> – They were a fun story last year, especially when they upset the New Orleans Saints in their playoff opener. And on the surface, adding WR Sidney Rice and TE Zach Miller should make them better. But Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst are the top two quarterbacks on the roster. Don’t underestimate what Matt Hasselbeck did there over the years. He’s better than both of the QBs he’s left behind.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=19&amp;type=teamhome" target="_blank">New York Giants</a></span> (10-6)</strong> – They were a tie-breaker away from making the playoffs last year, but look what’s happened since. They had to revamp their line, lost their tight end, a starting defensive tackle, and a Pro Bowl receiver to free agency, their first-round draft pick broke his foot and a Pro Bowl defensive end was caught in a nasty holdout. There’s talent there, but the team has taken far too many offseason hits, and the Eagles are making their front office look like it’s standing still.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/jacksonville-jaguars">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/houston-texans">Houston Texans</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/ralph-vacchiano">RALPH VACCHIANO</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tony-romo">Tony Romo</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/maurice-jones-drew">Maurice Jones-Drew</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jay-cutler">Jay Cutler</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/arian-foster">Arian Foster</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jason-campbell">Jason Campbell</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/darren-mcfadden">Darren McFadden</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/darius-heyward-bey">Darius Heyward-Bey</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/kevin-boss">Kevin Boss</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/mike-vick">Mike Vick</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matt-schaub">Matt Schaub</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/mario-williams">Mario Williams</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tarvarus-jackson">Tarvarus Jackson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/brian-urlacher">Brian Urlacher</a></div></div></div>Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:17:36 +0000Athlon Sports6004 at http://athlonsports.comFantasy Football: Top 12 Injury Concernshttp://athlonsports.com/columns/5-burning-questions/fantasy-football-top-12-injury-concerns
<div class="field field-name-field-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Athlon Sports looks at the top injury concerns overall and by position for fantasy football this season</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-column field-type-node-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/columns/5-burning-questions">5 Burning Questions</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-landing-featured field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Athlon Sports looks at the top 12 injury concerns overall and by position for the 2011 fantasy football season. These are 48 guys that may concern you in your draft preparation, and that you may be able to get as a steal due to their injury history or may go much sooner than they should because of that history.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Overall</strong></span><br />
<strong>1. Matthew Stafford, DET, QB </strong><br />
Burly, strong-armed passer has played in only 13 of his possible 32 career games.</p>
<p>
<strong>2. Frank Gore, SF, RB </strong><br />
Has not played 16 games in a season since his second year in 2006.</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB </strong><br />
Battled through injuries last season and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in January.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. Michael Vick, PHI, QB </strong><br />
Dynamic dual-threat who takes a beating has played in 16 games only once in his career.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Austin Collie, IND, WR </strong><br />
A thumb injury, multiple concussions, and his role in the slot make him a risky pick.<br />
<br />
<strong> 6. Owen Daniels, HOU, TE </strong><br />
Has missed 13 games over the last two seasons with serious injuries.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Antonio Gates, SD, TE </strong><br />
Chronic foot issues have bothered him for years; finally cost him six games last fall.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Joseph Addai, IND, RB </strong><br />
Has missed 13 games over the last three seasons for a team that doesn’t look to run often.</p>
<p>
<strong>9. DeAngelo Williams, CAR, RB</strong><br />
A serious foot injury cost him most of 2010. He missed three games in 2009 as well.</p>
<p>
<strong>10. Ryan Grant, GB, RB </strong><br />
Upright runner saw his 2010 end after eight carries with a season-ending ankle injury.</p>
<p>
<strong>11. Steve Smith, PHI, WR</strong><br />
May start the season on the PUP list while recovering from microfracture knee surgery.</p>
<p>
<strong>12. Sidney Rice, MIN, WR </strong><br />
Hip injury forced Rice to miss all but six games last season following breakout 2009.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• </strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Quarterbacks</span><br />
1. Matthew Stafford, DET</strong><br />
Burly, strong-armed passer has played in only 13 of his possible 32 career games — missing all but three contests last season.</p>
<p>
<strong>2. Michael Vick, PHI</strong><br />
Dynamic dual-threat who takes a beating. Vick has played in all 16 games only once in his career (2006).</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Peyton Manning, IND</strong><br />
Has had neck sugery in each of the past two offseasons. Colts might not be concerned — but fantasy owners should be.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN</strong><br />
Has missed 12 games over the last three years, and he turns 36 in September.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Alex Smith, SF</strong><br />
Has averaged fewer than 10 games per season over the last three years.</p>
<p>
<strong>6. David Garrard, JAC</strong><br />
His 216 carries over the last three years will begin to take a toll at some point — it cost him two games in 2010.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Tarvaris Jackson, SEA</strong><br />
Injuries interfered with his opportunities last fall, and the five projected starters on the O-line have never played together.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Tony Romo, DAL</strong><br />
Porous O-line could keep Romo running for his life after missing most of 2010 to a broken collarbone.</p>
<p>
<strong>9. Jay Cutler, CHI</strong><br />
Takes chances, and his mental toughness was questioned in the playoffs a year ago.</p>
<p>
<strong>10. Chad Henne, MIA</strong><br />
Has never started a full season in the NFL, due to injuries and ineffectiveness.</p>
<p>
<strong>11. Christian Ponder, MIN</strong><br />
Suffered shoulder and elbow injuries in college; might not get much protection from his O-line this fall — if he plays at all.</p>
<p>
<strong>12. Matt Schaub, HOU</strong><br />
Injury issues could be a thing of the past, but he missed 10 games in 2007-08.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• </strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Running Backs</span><br />
1. Frank Gore, SF</strong><br />
Suffered hip injury in Week 12 last season; had two knee injuries during his college days at Miami.</p>
<p>
<strong>2. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC</strong><br />
Battled through injuries last season and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in January.</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Joseph Addai, IND</strong><br />
Has missed 13 games over the last three seasons for a team that doesn’t look to run often.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. DeAngelo Williams, CAR</strong><br />
A serious foot injury cost him most of 2010. He missed three games in 2009 as well.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Ryan Grant, GB</strong><br />
Upright runner saw his 2010 end after eight carries due to a season-ending ankle injury.</p>
<p>
<strong>6. Pierre Thomas, NO</strong><br />
Ankle injury cost him 10 games last fall. Arrival of Mark Ingram crowds the backfield.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG</strong><br />
Nagging ankle injury required offseason surgery for the smallish second-year starter.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Ronnie Brown, PHI</strong><br />
Alternates healthy and injured years: seven games (2007), 16 games (’08), nine games (’09) and 16 games (’10).</p>
<p>
<strong>9. Montario Hardesty, CLE</strong><br />
Recovering from a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2010 season.</p>
<p>
<strong>10. Beanie Wells, ARI</strong><br />
Battled injuries at Ohio State, and that trend continued last fall with a knee issue.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• </strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Wide Receivers</span><br />
1. Austin Collie, IND</strong><br />
A thumb injury, multiple concussions — in both November and December 2010 — as well as his role in the slot make him a risky pick.</p>
<p>
<strong>2. Steve Smith, PHI</strong><br />
May start the season on the PUP list while recovering from microfracture knee surgery.</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Sidney Rice, SEA</strong><br />
Hip injury forced Rice to miss all but six games last year following a breakout 2009 season.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. Danario Alexander/Donnie Avery/ Mark Clayton, STL</strong><br />
Each of these Rams has dealt with major injuries over the past few seasons.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Arrelious Benn, TB</strong><br />
All signs point to him being healthy for the start of the season after rehabbing a torn ACL.</p>
<p>
<strong>6. Marques Colston, NO</strong><br />
Appears to be struggling to get healthy after undergoing offseason knee surgery. He missed five games in 2008 as well.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Dez Bryant, DAL</strong><br />
Season ended with a fractured ankle last fall, but he appears ready to go in 2011. Bryant is also a concern off the field.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Percy Harvin, MIN</strong><br />
Migraine headaches have cost Harvin a handful of games the last few seasons; he also has a history of hamstring and ankle issues.</p>
<p>
<strong>9. Michael Crabtree, SF</strong><br />
Injuries continue to plague the former first-round pick, who is battling an injury this training camp as well.</p>
<p>
<strong>10. Wes Welker, NE</strong><br />
Healed from ACL injury in 2009, but he gets hit a lot near the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p>
<strong>11. DeSean Jackson, PHI</strong><br />
Brittle, smallish player has missed time in each of the last two seasons.</p>
<p>
<strong>12. Jerricho Cotchery, PIT</strong><br />
Offseason back surgery and declining numbers add doubt to his value in 2011.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• </strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tight Ends</span><br />
1. Owen Daniels, HOU</strong><br />
Has missed 13 games over the last two seasons with serious injuries.</p>
<p>
<strong>2. Antonio Gates, SD</strong><br />
Chronic foot problems have bothered Gates for years and cost him six games last fall.</p>
<p>
<strong>3. Dallas Clark, IND</strong><br />
A season-ending wrist injury slowed one of the most physical tight ends in the league.</p>
<p>
<strong>4. Jermichael Finley, GB</strong><br />
A season-ending knee injury in Week 5 cut short what was looking like a breakout season.</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Todd Heap, ARI</strong><br />
Missed three games in 2010, and he turned 31 in March.</p>
<p>
<strong>6. Heath Miller, PIT</strong><br />
Has missed two games in two of the last three seasons.</p>
<p>
<strong>7. Kyle Rudolph, MIN</strong><br />
Rookie missed significant time over his final two seasons at Notre Dame due to hamstring and shoulder issues.</p>
<p>
<strong>8. Jeremy Shockey, CAR</strong><br />
The 10th-year vet has missed 10 games over the last three seasons.</p>
<p>
<strong>9. Jermaine Gresham, CIN</strong><br />
Suffered ACL injuries in high school (2005) and at Oklahoma (2009).</p>
<p>
<strong>10. Chris Cooley, WAS</strong><br />
Workhorse bounced back last season after missing nine games in 2009, but is battling injuries in camp already.</p>
<p>
<strong>11. Tony Moeaki, KC</strong><br />
Missed time in each of his final two seasons at Iowa and one game last season in Kansas City. Was on PUP list at outset of camp.</p>
<p>
<strong>12. Tony Gonzalez, ATL</strong><br />
Has played at least 15 games in all 14 NFL seasons, but Gonzalez turned 35 in February.</p>
<p>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>More Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets and Rankings:</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-top-280" target="_blank">2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 280</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-football-ranks-top-240-widps" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 240 w/ IDPs</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-qbs" target="_blank"><br />
2</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-qbs">011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks<br />
2</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire-report/2011-fantasy-ranks-rbs" target="_blank">011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-wrs" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-tes" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-kickers" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="../../columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-defenses" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defense/Special Teams</a></span></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-games field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-weight field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">3</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Two Right Sidebar Images</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomyextra field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Taxonomy upgrade extras:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/deangelo-williams">DeAngelo Williams</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/michael-vick">Michael Vick</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/steve-smith">Steve Smith</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/maurice-jones-drew">Maurice Jones-Drew</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/frank-gore">Frank Gore</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/antonio-gates">Antonio Gates</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/owen-daniels">Owen Daniels</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ryan-grant">Ryan Grant</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/austin-collie">Austin Collie</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/joseph-addai">Joseph Addai</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/fantasy">Fantasy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Athlon Sports looks at the top 12 injury concerns overall and by position for the 2011 fantasy football season. These are 48 guys that may concern you in your draft preparation, and that you may be able to get as a steal due to their injury history or may go much sooner than they should because of that history.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-body2 field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author-byline field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-include-in-newsletter field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div>Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:00:37 +0000Braden Gall6108 at http://athlonsports.comSeattle Seahawks 2011 NFL Team Previewhttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks-2011-nfl-team-preview
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
We look at the Seahawks chances of making the playoffs this season.&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Pete Carroll did the Seahawks shuffle when he took over as coach, engineering 284 roster moves in his first 12 months. During this dizzying transformation, he lost his players in a big way at midseason (dropping six of eight games), got them back in a bigger way at season’s end (rescuing the postseason) and turned them strangely historical — coming up with the NFL’s first losing team (7–9) to collect a division title and win a playoff game (41–36 over New Orleans).</p>
<p>
In Year 2, Carroll will be hard-pressed to provide a more unconventional encore in the NFC West, pro football’s weakest division. At the same time, the coach likely will keep trading pieces furiously until he reaches desired stability.</p>
<p>
A lot of work still needs to be done with the Seahawks, and Carroll has pegged the offensive line as his highest priority, spending his latest top two draft picks on reinforcements. The team Carroll inherited wasn’t tough enough or physical enough, and it was unable to run the ball the way he wanted — a lingering problem for the franchise ever since Hall of Fame-bound left tackle Walter Jones showed considerable wear in 2008 and retired a season later. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck deserved better protection and better health. The defense was on the field and on its heels far too long last season. In Carroll’s mind, a cohesive offensive line is the solution to these problems.</p>
<p>
<strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/24435-2/GoldenTate.jpg" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; float: right; width: 188px; height: 294px; " />OFFENSE </strong><br />
With his top draft choices, Carroll intimated that he replaced the entire right side of his offensive line and picked up immediate starters at right tackle (first-rounder James Carpenter of Alabama) and right guard (third-rounder John Moffitt from Wisconsin). Most draft analysts, however, thought choosing Carpenter with the 25th overall pick was a reach, especially with the defensive line and quarterback upgrades that were still available.</p>
<p>
The Seahawks are prepared to suffer with youth on the line, hoping for a future payoff. Left tackle will be manned by former first-rounder Russell Okung, who as a rookie was limited to 10 games because of a pair of high ankle sprains and showed only glimpses of his considerable promise. Center goes to Max Unger, who as a second-year player missed all but one game in 2010 with a turf toe that required surgery after he started a full season at center and guard as a rookie. The left guard will be Robert Gallery, the No. 2 overall pick in 2004 who spent the first seven seasons of his career in Oakland. The Seahawks are so determined to make inroads in a position area that’s been lackluster for three seasons that they hired the animated Tom Cable, former Oakland Raiders head coach, as offensive line coach. Cable’s job is to stabilize a group that used four left guards, three left tackles and three right guards in Carroll’s first season.</p>
<p>
Hasselbeck, who turns 36 in September and hasn’t played a full 16-game schedule since 2007, did not re-sign with the Seahawks. The new starter likely will be former Viking Tarvaris Jackson, who was signed to a two-year contract. A second-round pick in 2006, Jackson started 20 games during his stay in Minnesota and has a career TD-to-INT ratio of 24-to-22. The job is Jackson’s to lose, but the Seahawks still have Charlie Whitehurst, a sixth-year pro who has thrown a total of 99 passes in his career. Whitehurst quarterbacked the Seahawks’ playoff-clinching win over St. Louis in the final regular-season game with Hasselbeck injured.</p>
<p>
The running backs are adequate but nothing spectacular. Marshawn Lynch, a midseason acquisition from Buffalo in 2010, at least resembles the power runner Carroll demands, with no better example than his pinball-like 67-yard TD run against New Orleans in the playoffs. Justin Forsett and Leon Washington provide different gears as backups; Michael Robinson is an able blocker at fullback.</p>
<p>
The Seahawks upgraded their receiving corps — they hope — by signing Sidney Rice, one of the top free agents available at his position. Rice caught 83 passes for 1,312 yards two years ago but was limited to six games and 17 catches last season due to a hip injury. After a two-year layoff, Mike Williams resurrected his career and became Hasselbeck’s deep threat with 65 catches, making teams pay attention to him. Holdover receivers Ben Obomanu and Deon Butler return, but Golden Tate and rookie Kris Durham will be given every opportunity to step in. The quarterback’s favorite target might end up being tight end Zach Miller, who averaged 60.7 catches in his final three seasons in Oakland.</p>
<p>
<strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/17460-1/PeteCarroll_004.jpg" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 300px; " />DEFENSE</strong><br />
An offseason of change took another interesting turn in late July when the Seahawks released middle linebacker Lofa Tatupa, who anchored the Seattle defense in its Super Bowl season of 2005. Tatupu had been slowed by injury in recent seasons. Carroll announced the move as a “mutual decision.” David Hawthorne, an undrafted find in 2008, will move back from the outside to replace Tatupa in the middle. Hawthorne has led the team in tackles in two of his three seasons. Seattle is still waiting on Aaron Curry, the fourth pick overall in the 2009 draft, to break out.</p>
<p>
Across the defensive front, from right to left, the Seahawks trot out functional yet ordinary players in Chris Clemons, Colin Cole, Brandon Mebane and Alan Branch. Clemons was the closest thing to a playmaker, leading the team with 11 sacks. Don’t be surprised if Carroll gets impatient with these guys. The Seahawks promote themselves as a 4-3 team but often slip into a 3-4 alignment when the yardage piles up, choosing to put pressure on their linebackers to fix things.</p>
<p>
The secondary is in transition. Free safety Earl Thomas comes off a productive rookie season. However, veteran cornerback Marcus Trufant has shown signs of age and slippage. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy, entering a 16th season, is way beyond old, prompting the Seahawks to groom Kam Chancellor as a replacement fairly quickly. Kelly Jennings, the other returning cornerback, isn’t the blanket cover guy Carroll wants, and he likely will give way to Walter Thurmond.</p>
<p>
<strong>SPECIAL TEAMS</strong><br />
The Seahawks lost reliable kicker Olindo Mare, who set a club record with 30 consecutive field goals, in free agency. Jeff Reed, who was waived by the Steelers last November, is the likely replacement. Jon Ryan, in his fourth Seahawks season, has developed into a reliable punter; the Canadian import utilizes a deft Aussie-style kick to repeatedly back up opponents. Washington, fully recovered from a broken leg, set a club record by scoring on three kickoffs, giving him seven in his NFL career. He is a valuable weapon in the return game.</p>
<p>
<strong>FINAL ANALYSIS</strong><br />
The schedule is rugged, with road games at Chicago, Dallas, Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, and home games against Atlanta and Philadelphia. If the offensive line can settle in — after using 10 different combinations last season — Carroll’s club could be a threat in the NFC West and, not to get too carried away here, flirt with a .500 record.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Outside the Huddle</strong></span><br />
<strong>Bear brothers </strong><br />
When the Seahawks made a midseason trade for Marshawn Lynch, running back Justin Forsett lost his starting job. Forsett, however, was hardly angry or bitter. He was reunited with his former college teammate at California, a close friend and someone who was a member of Forsett’s wedding party. They have lockers next to each other. Forsett couldn’t be more supportive in having Lynch around and sharing the ball with him.</p>
<p>
<strong>Will sing for food </strong><br />
Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill had a ready solution to the league labor negotiations: He went on tour. With guitar in hand and fancying himself as a Springsteen-like presence, Terrill showed up at a suburban Seattle performance arts center with the “Rock Out While They Lockout Tour.” When his young daughter called out to him on stage, Terrill responded, “Daddy’s working, and work is had to come by.” Terrill has released a pair of CDs titled CT and Genuine.</p>
<p>
<strong>Pete’s got game </strong><br />
Energetic coach Pete Carroll keeps a portable basketball hoop stationed outside Seahawks’ headquarters, giving him a daily release. When it rains, the coach and the hoop move indoors, keeping this routine fairly steady.</p>
<p>
<strong>Frequent flyer miles </strong><br />
The Seahawks better make sure they have plenty of legroom and a window seat: They’ll fly 26,918 miles to their eight away games.</p>
<p>
<strong>Age before beauty </strong><br />
The Seahawks’ coach’s youthful looks and collegial spirit are deceiving. Carroll, who turns 60 in September, is the NFL’s second-oldest coach, younger only than New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who turns 65 in August.<br />
<br />
<strong>Postseason parodies </strong><br />
The Seahawks, at 7–9, became the third team with a losing record to qualify for the playoffs, joining Cleveland and Detroit, both 4–5, who advanced to the postseason in the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season.</p>
<p>
<strong>Charitable hang time </strong><br />
Punter Jon Ryan grew his curly red locks extra long for good reason last season. His hair ultimately was shorn for “Locks for Love,” a program that caters to follicle-challenged cancer patients.</p>
<p>
<strong>Home Cable installation </strong><br />
Tom Cable was an all-state offensive lineman at Snohomish High School in Seattle’s suburbs in 1981 when he left home to seek his football fortune. He went on a 30-year odyssey that took him as a player and coach to Idaho, San Diego State, Cal State Fullerton, UNLV, California, Colorado and UCLA on the college level, and Atlanta and Oakland in the NFL. Now he’s come home to become the Seahawks’ offensive line coach. Snohomish, a sporting hotbed also home to former NFL players Curt Marsh and Rick Fenney, is 30 miles north of Seattle.</p>
<p>
<strong>Wakeup call </strong><br />
In five of their eight road games, the Seahawks will kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern time, or 10 a.m. Seattle time. Traditionally, they’re so jet-lagged they don’t do well in these games.</p>
<p>
<strong>Comeback </strong><br />
Mike Williams was the No. 10 overall pick by the Lions in 2005 but caught only 37 passes in two season with Detroit. He spent the 2007 season in Oakland (seven receptions for 90 yards in six games) and Tennessee (no receptions in two games). After a two-year layoff, Williams hooked up with Pete Carroll, his former coach at USC, and led the Seahawks with 65 catches for 751 yards.</p>
<p>
<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/winning-game-plan/fantasy-football-breaking-down-seattle-seahawks"><strong>&nbsp;Also Read:</strong><br />
<strong>Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Football Team Breakdown</strong></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/miscellaneous/pete-carroll">Pete Carroll</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-51 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-conferences/nfc">NFC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-52 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-divisions/nfc-west">NFC West</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tarvaris-jackson">Tarvaris Jackson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/marshawn-lynch">Marshawn Lynch</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/lofa-totupu">Lofa Totupu</a></div></div></div>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:41:04 +0000Athlon Sports6141 at http://athlonsports.comFantasy Football: Breaking down the Seattle Seahawkshttp://athlonsports.com/columns/winning-game-plan/fantasy-football-breaking-down-seattle-seahawks
<div class="field field-name-field-column field-type-node-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/columns/winning-game-plan">Winning Game Plan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-landing-featured field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">SEATTLE</span><br />
• Inside the Locker Room</strong></span><br />
With freelance writer Dan Raley</p>
<p>
<strong>Mike Williams was able to make a comeback in Seattle with his former USC coach Pete Carroll. Should fantasy players be concerned that this was just a one-year wonder situation?</strong><br />
Williams was motivated to get in shape and play for Carroll again, and he rescued what was a lost career. Nothing should change in terms of his Seahawks performance the second time around — unless, of course, he got fat again during the lockout.</p>
<p>
<strong>Marshawn Lynch moved to the top of the running back pecking order after coming over from Buffalo, and he finished the year with over 500 yards in a Seattle uniform. Is it Lynch as the workhorse, or is a committee expected?</strong><br />
Lynch should be the workhorse over a full season. Carroll prefers a big, bruising back, which Justin Forsett and Leon Washington aren’t and Lynch is. And the coach has made upgrading the offensive line his No. 1 priority — last year and in this year’s draft.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">• Fantasy Playoff Run —</span> Weeks 14-16:</strong> STL, <a href="http://twitter.com/CHI">@CHI</a>, SF<br />
All three opponents were in the top 12 in defending fantasy RBs last season. The matchup with the 49ers during the fantasy title game weekend is interesting for the Seahawks WRs, as San Francisco ranked 31st in the league in points allowed to WRs (31.0 ppg). All three opponents were in the top half against TEs as well.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">• Athlon Best Bets</span><br />
Sleeper: </strong>Golden Tate, WR<br />
<strong>Deep-Sleeper: </strong>Ben Obomanu, WR<br />
<strong>Overvalued:</strong> Sidney Rice, WR<br />
<strong>Top Rookie:</strong> None<br />
<strong>Bounce-Back:</strong> None<br />
<strong>Top IDP: </strong>Earl Thomas, DB</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">• Try to Avoid</span><br />
Justin Forsett, RB </strong><br />
He was given the chance to carry the load in 2010 (36 carries in Weeks 3 and 4) and failed to secure the job, prompting a trade for Marshawn Lynch. Pete Carroll will ride his new workhorse in 2011. <br />
<strong>WAIT UNTIL: </strong>13th RD</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>• Draft Class Fantasy Impact</strong></span><br />
Seattle’s draft certainly wasn’t flashy but should go a long way towards upgrading its chances to repeat as NFC West champs. James Carpenter and John Moffitt could start right away on the offensive line. Kris Durham had a quiet career at Georgia and was a surprise pick in the fourth round. Outside of Mike Williams and Sidney Rice, playing time is up for grabs in Seattle’s receiving corps.</p>
<p>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>More Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets and Rankings:</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-top-280" target="_blank">2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 280</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-football-ranks-top-240-widps" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 240 w/ IDPs</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-qbs" target="_blank"><br />
2</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-qbs">011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks<br />
2</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire-report/2011-fantasy-ranks-rbs" target="_blank">011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-wrs" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-tes" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-kickers" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/waiver-wire/2011-fantasy-ranks-defenses" target="_blank"><br />
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defense/Special Teams</a></span></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-games field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-weight field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">3</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-template field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Two Right Sidebar Images</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomyextra field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Taxonomy upgrade extras:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/golden-tate">Golden Tate</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tavaris-jackson">Tavaris Jackson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/sidney-rice">Sidney Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/mike-williams">Mike Williams</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/section/nfl">NFL</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/fantasy">Fantasy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;br /&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-body2 field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author-byline field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <br />
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-include-in-newsletter field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">0</div></div></div>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:30:15 +0000Athlon Sports5702 at http://athlonsports.com